Historic Testimony:: Justices Kagan and Barrett will appear before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on July 14, 2026 — the first such appearance by Supreme Court justices in seven years.
Budget Context:: The hearing centers on the Supreme Court's budget request for fiscal year 2027. In 2019, Justices Kagan and Alito testified and secured additional security funding following a comprehensive safety review.
Security Concerns Have Intensified:: Since the last testimony, security around the Court has escalated dramatically. In 2022, following the leak of the *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* draft opinion, protests erupted outside justices' homes, and a man was arrested near Justice Kavanaugh's residence, armed and intending to kill him.
Why This Matters:: These hearings are rare and consequential. They provide a direct channel for the judiciary to communicate its operational and security needs, especially in a climate where threats against justices have risen sharply.
Timing After Landmark Rulings:: The hearing occurs two weeks after the 2025–26 term concluded with major decisions on birthright citizenship, presidential removal powers, and the independence of federal agencies like the Federal Reserve and FTC.
The last time a Supreme Court justice testified before Congress was in 2019, when Kagan and Justice Samuel Alito appeared to request additional security funding. At the time, Alito thanked lawmakers for providing "a substantial amount of additional security funding" and noted the Court was implementing new protocols based on expert reviews.
Since then, the landscape has shifted dramatically. In May 2022, the unprecedented leak of Alito's draft opinion in *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* — which overturned *Roe v. Wade* — triggered protests outside the homes of conservative justices. That same month, a 26-year-old California man was arrested near Justice Kavanaugh's home in Maryland, armed with a handgun, knife, pepper spray, and burglary tools. He later pleaded guilty in April 2025 to attempting to kill the justice and was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison.
These events underscore why the 2027 budget request is likely to focus heavily on security infrastructure and personnel protection.
The Court's final opinions included:
Birthright Citizenship:: The Court upheld the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, rejecting an executive order by President Trump aimed at limiting it. Both Kagan and Barrett were in the majority.
Presidential Removal Powers:: In a 5–4 decision, the Court held that Trump could not fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook while her lawsuit continues. Kagan was in the majority; Barrett dissented.
FTC Commissioner Case:: In a separate ruling, the Court granted the president authority to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, effectively expanding presidential control over independent agencies. Barrett was in the majority; Kagan dissented.
While the justices are not expected to discuss these opinions during the budget hearing, the rulings frame the political context in which the testimony takes place.
Budget hearings for the Supreme Court are typically non-confrontational and focused on operational needs. However, given the charged political environment and increased scrutiny of the Court, lawmakers may raise questions about:
Security spending and protective measures for justices.
The Court's internal processes following the 2022 leak.
Transparency and ethics reforms.
Why haven't Supreme Court justices testified before Congress since 2019?
While there is no formal rule preventing it, such appearances are rare. Justices typically communicate their budget needs through written submissions or through the Court's administrative staff. The 2026 hearing represents a return to direct testimony after a seven-year gap.
What is the significance of the 2027 budget request?
The budget request covers the Court's operational expenses, including security, staffing, technology, and facilities. Given the elevated threat environment since 2022, security funding is expected to be a central topic.
Will the justices discuss recent Supreme Court rulings during their testimony?
No. According to the report, neither justice is expected to discuss the 2025–26 term's opinions. The hearing is narrowly focused on the Court's budget needs.
Who are the justices testifying?
Justice Elena Kagan (appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010) and Justice Amy Coney Barrett (appointed by President Donald Trump in 2020). They represent the liberal and conservative wings of the Court, respectively.
For Legal & Policy Professionals:: Monitor the hearing for signals about the Court's security posture and operational priorities. This could indicate how prepared the judiciary is for increasing threats.
For the General Public:: Understanding the budget process for the Supreme Court offers insight into how the third branch of government functions and protects its independence.
Key Action:: Stay informed about the hearing date (July 14, 2026) and watch for the justices' opening statements and subcommittee questions — these often reveal the most about the Court's needs.
Why This Matters to You:: The security of the Supreme Court affects public confidence in the judiciary. A well-funded, secure Court can operate without external interference, preserving the rule of law.
Do you think Supreme Court justices should testify before Congress more regularly, or does this risk politicizing the judiciary? Share your thoughts below!
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*CNBC* — "Supreme Court's Kagan, Barrett to testify to House for budget request, a first since 2019" (Published July 7, 2026). Compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.
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